The USA Men’s U18s today announced they will be returning to Amsterdam in early July to compete in the annual Corendon Summer Tour, against other international U18 sides from Belgium, Canada, and Netherlands.
The traveling squad will depart for Amsterdam on July 1st for a week of preparation; the team is hopeful that they will repeat the same success seen last year in the Corendon Summer Tour, when they finished 3-0. With the USA U20’s Men’s team headed to Kenya for the Junior World Trophy, the U18’s are the only USA team traveling to Amsterdam this year, with intentions of developing the 28 selected players to their highest international potential on tour. Live updates for each game on the @usarugby social media channels with live stream information to be confirmed at a later date by tournament organizers.
“We're honored and excited to have been invited back to the Rugby Nederland Cordon Summer Tour this year. Our hosts have amazing facilities, went above and beyond with their hospitality to make us feel welcome and set up world class matches for us to compete in. I'm sure in its second year, this tournament will only be bigger, better and more competitive.
Last year was an amazing experience for coaches, staff and players who came together exceptionally well to produce some amazing performances that everyone was extremely proud of. To see a large number of last year's players move up to the U20s, and not only help them qualify for the World Rugby Trophy but captain the side, shows how we are getting things right with the pathways and talent ID work that goes on tirelessly all over the country.
“Looking forward to this year I really want the players to make some lifelong memories and friends, while learning what it is like to play at the international level as we prepare them on their high performance rugby journey. For the vast majority of the players, it will be their first time playing at this level and with two former USA Eagles as assistant coaches in Olive Kilifi and Tai Tuisamoa. We have a world class team to help them embrace and enjoy the challenge. We have three tough games but with the leadership and direction of the Men's Eagles coaches and staff, we are hoping to create a true and unique USA brand of rugby the country can be proud of and fans will enjoy watching.”
“The Men’s U18 team performed admirably in these same fixtures last year and we hope for more of the same this time around. Rugby Nederland put on a great event for us and the other nations involved. Most importantly, the Corendon Summer Tour provides an opportunity for these young players to cut their teeth in international rugby and challenge themselves in training and competition on foreign soil over these two weeks. Such experiences pay dividends, as we are seeing with the U20s; the core of which were part of the U18 or U20 Corendon Tour teams last year. Ultimately the goal of all of our pathways programs is to help build Eagles, with a particular view in this age group toward Rugby World Cup 2031 here in the USA.
“All of these young men have had excellent performances this winter and spring for their clubs or schools and come into the team via a variety of avenues. A couple are returners from last year’s squad, others moved into the team after good showings in Winter Camp, some were initially spotted at Pathways Talent ID Camps, others were recommended by their school, club, or academy coaches, and still others proved themselves as pathways coaches scouted games and events in person or via video. Final selections are typically done through a combination of these.”
| PLAYER NAME | SCHOOL / CLUB |
|---|---|
| Andrew LaFrankie | Gonzaga College High School |
| Asa Rosenmeier | Belmont High School |
| Brice Muller | Fairfield Prep |
| Cameron Wilson | Salt Lake Rhinos |
| Carson Reed | Penn High School - Indiana |
| Connor Nel | Blackrock College (IRE) |
| Elijah Lolesio-Pua | Belmont Shore Youth RFC |
| George Hemmen | Jesuit High School - Sacramento |
| Gozie Mosi | Okapi Wanderers |
| Heston Egelund | Herriman High School |
| Jackson Quammie | WELD Rugby |
| Jake Schumacher | Charlotte Cardinals |
| Jonty Lee | San Diego Mustangs |
| Josiah Apisala | Belmont Shore Youth RFC |
| Kieran Downs | Gonzaga College High School |
| Malosi Brown | Herriman High School |
| Maseah Young | Xavier High School |
| Max Amasio | Belmont Shore Youth RFC |
| Mehdi Merah | Xavier High School |
| Padraig Long | Xavier High School |
| Papa Matelau | East High School - Utah |
| Ryan Putka | St. Ignatius - Cleveland |
| Sederik Saxon | Alpharetta Phoenix |
| Seth Smith | Rugby HTX |
| Spencer Huntley | San Diego Mustangs |
| Thomas Ryan | Jesuit High School - Sacramento |
| Thomas Koi | Granite Bay Rugby |
| Waylon Davis | South Orange County Raptora |
Live updates for each game on the @usarugby social media channels with live stream information to be confirmed at a later date.
Head Coach - Dominic Wareing
Assistant Coach - Tai Tuisamoa
Assistant Coach - Olive Kilifi
Team Manager - Eric Jerpe
Performance Analyst - Luke Richmond
Athletic Trainer - Anna Unnasch
July 8th vs Belgium | 6am ET
July 12th vs Canada | 8:45am ET
July 15th vs Netherlands | 6am ET
